Bade Acche Lagte Hain | MaNan

Mending Their Ways

Heya! An early update :D.

I'm not complaining, neither demanding ; I see the number of readers increasing (I'm glad about it) but the response is either decreasing or stagnant. Why is it so?

Is the story not interesting or rather boring you?

Or

You get the next update very easily and had taken everything for granted?

I want to be clear with this and I won't be complaining or asking about it again but now I'd like to work according to the response.

Ps:- I'm really thankful to all the readers but a little boost up doesn't harm anyone, rather really helps me in working better.

9th November, 1995.

The cluttering of the utensils filled the silence of the kitchen as Nandini made tea for everyone. After serving both the men in the living room, who were engrossed in watching television, Nandini entered her room and found him still in the balcony, leaning forward on the railing.

He was there the entire afternoon, without having any food and hadn't even talked to anyone after their confrontation.

She felt guilty now, for being so harsh and disrespectful towards him, instead of being an understanding wife. She could have let go of the matter and everything would have returned to normal. He cares for her so much, then even she could've tolerated a bit of his anger.

"Come inside, tea is ready." She requested and he nodded, his back still facing her. She sighed in relief and sauntered back inside the room.

Hearing the sound of the anklets going away, he turned around, rubbing his face in apprehension. He felt uneasy to face her, after the distrustful words she poured out on him. At this moment, he was brimmed with guilt and remorse because of his impulsive reaction to a situation, that has even raised questions on his integrity. It is said that actions speak louder than words but his words projected something he hadn't even dreamt of expressing. His wife, for whom he cares to death, doesn't trusts him anymore and the reason was he, himself.

Her each word was ringing in his ears and there was no denying to the fact that they were apt. He couldn't tolerate even her few words out of irritation when they were alone, so he could imagine how horrible she would've felt when he scolded her before so many unknown faces. His thoughts were eating him, not allowing him to eat anything.

Everything was weird for him. He had been angry innumerable times in his life, reasonably and unreasonably, but he'd never been made to feel so guilty about it. People accepted his behaviour, without bothering to tell him where he was wrong, until now.

"Please come inside!" She tried again, standing few feet away from him, in a hope that he would listen to her and she will be able to rectify her mistake.

He looked at her, his face blank but his eyes giving away the glimpse of his emotional struggle. He observed her face that appeared worn out. Wasn't she sleeping in the afternoon? Probably the exhaustion wasn't of running around the house to complete her chores. It was because of their differences and he would do anything to erase them. He cannot let her fear win and for that, he has to strengthen her trust on him and this time his actions will speak louder than his words but he needs to rectify his words with an apology first.

"Can we talk?" He whispered after clearing his throat to curb down the itchiness. "Yes, but first you come inside na, have something." The concern in her voice for him filled him with warmth. His lips stretched in a very small smile, that reflected on Nandini's lips as well.